Help protect endangered sharks, earn a diving qualification, and make new friends from all over the world

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Spend your summer volunteering with sharks in Fiji along with other teenagers. You’ll learn to dive in clear blue waters and work with scientists to protect endangered marine species.

In Fiji, you’ll learn from leading shark researchers and other conservation experts. Watch closely as they catch and tag juvenile sharks and help them conduct surveys of Fiji’s shark population. You’ll also get your hands dirty planting mangroves, which are critical for healthy coastlines.

The project is open to teenagers from all over the world, so you’ll work with people your age and make new friends. Plus, you will gain a sought-after PADI diving certification and build your teamwork skills. During your free time, we help you learn as much about Fijian culture as possible. You’ll enjoy day trips to cultural sites, barbeques with locals, and maybe even learn a traditional dance or two!

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High School Specials > Fiji > Shark Conservation

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Personalised MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination

A free cultural awareness course

Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

Organised weekend tourism trips

Dedicated full-time staff members with you 24 hours a day

PADI diving course

Diving equipment rental

What's not included?

Flights

Visa costs (where applicable)

Is volunteer Shark Conservation in Fiji for high school students right for me?

If you enjoy spending time in the ocean and dream of island living, you’re cut out to be a volunteer on our Shark Conservation High School Special in Fiji. This project is open to adventurous teens from all corners of the globe who are passionate about protecting oceans.

Volunteer shark conservation work in Fiji for high school students will give you loads of opportunities to learn important life skills, like working closely with a team. Talk about your experience in interviews or applications, and show your ability to commit to a good cause. It will give your CV an extra edge.

You don’t require any prior experience or training. During your first week, you’ll earn your PADI Open Water certification. If you already have this, you’ll move on to an Advanced Open Water course. Our diving instructors will be with you throughout training and during each dive to ensure safety.

What will I be doing on the project?

During your first week on the project, you focus on your diving course. By the second week, you’ll be in the water and can start doing research.

Let’s take a look at a few of the specific things you’ll do:

Complete your PADI Open Water Diving qualification

Dive with sharks and helping scientists conduct important research

Help with beach clean-ups and get muddy planting mangroves

Expand your horizons by experiencing Fiji and its culture

High school students volunteering with sharks in Fiji will focus on the following areas:

Learn to dive and get a PADI Open Water qualification

The first part of the project will focus entirely on getting you comfortable in the water. Those who have no diving experience will do a PADI Open Water course. If you already have that qualification, you’ll level up to Advanced Open Water.

PADI diving certifications don’t have an expiration date, so this qualification will enable you to explore underwater worlds for many years to come! Once you’ve completed your PADI training, you’ll also take part in a Shark Conservation Diver Course.

Diving with sharks

How’s this for a tick off your bucket list? No need to worry about your safety while diving with sharks. You will be under the supervision of qualified Dive Masters at all times.

After this, you will be able to assist with global shark research by tagging juvenile sharks. Data collected will help researchers better understand their movement and habitat preferences.

Shore-based activities

On the tamer side of things, you will help us do beach clean-ups. Local children will join you, making it a great opportunity to talk to them about ocean conservation and share why it’s important.

You will also help plant mangroves. Mangroves provide homes to many species of plants and animals. They also play a protective role for communities and vulnerable coastlines by preventing soil erosion and providing cover from extreme weather. Mangrove reforestation plays an important role in our overall conservation efforts in Fiji.

In 2017, high school volunteers planted approximately 2,500 mangrove propagules in the Projects Abroad nursery!

Experiencing Fiji and its culture

During your two week program, you will also have plenty of opportunities to socialise with your fellow volunteers, make new friends, and experience island life.

Staff members will be present to supervise and guide all these activities to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the programme.

Who are our partners?

Our partner dive organisation, Beqa Adventure Divers, are at the forefront of shark protection in Fiji. Their safety record on shark dives is 100%. There have been no shark related accidents or injuries to any divers on their shark dive trips.

We also work closely with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) who help all our volunteers get their diving qualifications.

Finally, the WWF also supports our work through various research projects. WWF Global Shark Programme Manager, Ian Campbell, has described our Shark Conservation project in Fiji as “the most important shark conservation project in the world.”

Where will I be working in Fiji?

Pacific Harbour

This part of the island is renowned for its 80 km stretch of pure white sand and cobalt oceans. With water-based activities being central to this project, you will have ample opportunity to explore the magnificent natural beauty.

Importantly, you will also be playing an important role in preserving beaches through cleanups and mangrove reforestation.

During your stay, you will be sharing same-sex dormitories with your fellow volunteers.

AIRPORT PICKUP, FLIGHTS AND VISAS

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Fiji Arrival Procedures page.

What are the aims and impact of this project?

The main aim of the the Shark Conservation Project in Fiji is to help generate accurate scientific data. This is used to increase shark awareness among the local communities and the general public.

We started our Shark Conservation Project in Fiji in January 2014 in response to the declining shark population in this area. The Fijian government has identified shark protection as a top conservation priority. Although marine protected areas have been set up to address the decline in shark numbers, the population continues to decrease.

We also collaborate with the Mangroves for Fiji initiative to replant seedlings and ensure a healthy and sustainable mangrove forest around Pacific Harbour region.

Mangrove forests are a natural barrier for protecting the coastline against erosion, sea level changes, storm surges and tsunamis. They also support coral reef systems by providing nutrients and serve as a nursery for numerous marine species.

Apart from helping the environment, this project is also a great way for you to expand your horizons and your skill set. You will leave with a better understanding of conservation, insight into a different culture and friends from all over the world.

Management Plans

We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.

Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.

Measuring Our Impact

Every year, thousands of High School Special volunteers and interns actively make a difference around the world. During their time abroad, they contribute towards achieving long-term goals and make a long-lasting positive impact on the communities where they work.

From the moment I arrived, I could hardly contain my excitement. As I stepped off the plane, the Projects Abroad team greeted me. Being the first to arrive out of the volunteers, I sat restlessly in awe at the fact that I travelled all the way to Fiji on my own. Despite my parents initial apprehension of the distance, all the help from my volunteer advisor in the weeks before made getting to Fiji a breeze.

Meet the team in Fiji

Meet the team in Fiji

Karishma Nandan

Country Director

Karishma was born and raised in Nadi and went on to complete her degree in marine studies from the University of South Pacific in Suva. After her studies, Karishma volunteered for two years with various NGOs in Suva before joining Projects Abroad in 2011. Since then, she has also completed a master’s degree in business administration. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Meet the team in Fiji

Ravneet Kumar

Project Coordinator

Ravneet was born and raised in Ba and later moved to Suva to complete his university studies. He graduated with Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Public Admin & Management at the University of the South Pacific. His goal at Projects Abroad Fiji is to make sure our project partners benefit from having volunteers and that volunteers enjoy the experience. He enjoys reading, singing, socialising, and travelling.

Meet the team in Fiji

Irene Lily

Project Coordinator

Lily worked for Projects Abroad in Fiji during the summer of 2011 before taking up the role full time in August 2012. She looks after the Animal Care Projects in Nadi, designs the 2 Week Special programme and customises projects for special groups. She is also responsible for making sure volunteer de-briefing forms are completed and works closely with volunteers. Lily loves to socialise and therefore enjoys the company of others.

Meet the team in Fiji

Reshika Kumar

Office Assistant

Reshika joined Projects Abroad in August 2016. She was born and raised in Nadi. She has a background in business management studies and is currently studying a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management & Industrial Relations and Business Management. She loves to socialise and enjoys listening to music in her spare time.

Meet the team in Fiji

Makereta Ligaiviu

Administrative Assistant

Makereta joined Projects Abroad in February 2013. She has a background in office administration and human resource management. She was born and raised in Suva, Fiji and loves meeting new people and learning about new cultures and lifestyles. Makereta enjoys gardening and baking and has to two daughters whom she loves very much.

Meet the team in Fiji

Kristian Miles

Volunteer Staff

Kristian is originally from Wales and is a passionate conservationist. He has a Master's degree in Environmental Biology and Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology. Whilst working on a marine conservation project in Cambodia for seven months, he became a divemaster. Following that he moved to Fiji to manage a marine conservation project for two years, in the process taking time out to become a dive instructor. Kristian joined Projects Abroad in March 2015 and enjoys every aspect of his work on the Shark Conservation project.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers during your stay in Pacific Harbour. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your time together.

On our High School Specials, we will always try to have you share a room with at least one volunteer or intern of the same sex and approximate age. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.

SAFETY AND STAFF SUPPORT

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have all the extra support you need as a young person travelling abroad. Our Projects Abroad staff are there for you 24 hours a day during the week and over weekends to provide constant support and guidance. Our staff also make sure you feel comfortable and safe at your placement and accommodation. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.